Episode 22: Phil Villiapiano
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The Oakland Raiders of the 1970s were a vibrant cast of characters whose freewheeling personalities were balanced out by their collective pursuit of excellence. Today on the podcast, Bernie welcomes perhaps the most colorful of those characters in four-time Pro Bowl linebacker and Super Bowl champion, Phil Villapiano. The conversation begins in Asbury Park, NJ, with Phil playing for his dad at Asbury Park High before moving on to Ocean Township, where he earned a scholarship to Bowling Green, winning MAC Defensive Player of the Year as a senior. Next, the pair discusses the many highlights of Phil’s 13-year NFL career, including his friendship with his onetime idol, George Blanda, his role in the Immaculate Reception, the Raiders-Chiefs rivalry and his favorite penalty he never committed. Later, Phil recounts the harrowing plane ride he took with Russ Francis following their controversial 1976 AFC divisional round playoff game between the Patriots and Raiders, as well as the rest of the AFC playoff gauntlet of the 70s. Finally, Phil tells Bernie about his connection to fellow Jersey icon, Bruce Springsteen, and his ongoing pursuit of “the prefect tackle”, and more!